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TOP STORIES
Hamilton Park
Celebrates 55 Years
RHS Homecoming
Parade 2010
Lights On After School -
Tomorrow!
Canyon Creek Makes a
Difference in Africa
AVID FMJH Supports
Race for the Cure
Mark Twain Elementary
Welcomes Special Visitor
National Walk to School Day
Forestridge Awards Night
High School Highlights
Around the District
This Weekend in RISD
LINKS TO REMEMBER
Follow RISD on Twitter
2010-11 Academic Calendar
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HAMILTON PARK CELEBRATES 55 YEARS
At the beginning of the school year, Hamilton Park alumni, teachers and community members gathered for a special school-wide reunion, celebrating the school's 55-year history. The 3-day event, attended by more than 700, included a reception, party, banquet, church service and school tour.

The idea for the first school-wide reunion came about in 1987 when Dr. Andrea Hillburn, class of 1967, made the suggestion to Thomas Jefferson, class of 1961 and longtime Hamilton Park community leader. Jefferson said, "I thought it was a fabulous idea. I told her, 'Let's get busy!'" The community has been busy ever since, holding the reunion every other year for more than 20 years.

Attendees for this year's event came from the local area as well as places of greater distances, including New York, California and Washington, DC. "We were very successful this year in attracting so many different people who have attended Hamilton Park over the years, as well as teachers and other community members," said Elaine Johnson, class of 1974 and vice president of the organizing committee. "I think using social media really helped us reach out to those who haven't typically attended in the past." - Click here to continue reading. >Top
RHS Homecoming Parade 2010

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The traditional Richardson High School Homecoming Parade was held last week, attracting more than 2,000 residents, alumni, supporters and future Eagles. >Top
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Lights on after school - Tomorrow!
Lights On After School is a national celebration of after school programs. This year in RISD it occurs from 6:30-8p.m. on Thursday, October 21 at the RISD Professional Development Center Auditorium, 701 W. Belt Line Road.

There will be refreshments, displays of projects and performances by students from the PACE After School Programs. The community is welcome to come and get a glimpse of the exciting enrichment and creativity that is being fostered in these programs. This event is a great opportunity to learn about what after school opportunities are offered in RISD.

For more information about after school programs in RISD, please visit risd.org/PACE. >Top
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Canyon Creek Makes a Difference in Africa
A Canyon Creek Elementary family who now lives in Mityana, Uganda, helped connect Canyon Creek students and teachers with children in Africa.

In 2009, the Pease family moved to Africa to become missionaries. To support the family's work, 6th graders at Canyon Creek decided to raise money that could be used to purchase sports equipment for children in orphanages where the Pease family works. (Colby Pease was a classmate of the 6th graders.) "Colby loves sports, so he loved the idea," shared Krisann Pease, mom and former Big Springs teacher.

To raise funds for the sports equipment, a kickball game was held, with Canyon Creek teachers taking on 5th and 6th grade students. The game was broadcast to the children in Africa via Skype so they could see what was occurring on their behalf. In the end, Canyon Creek raised $400 and received a $1,000 donation from the Gopher Company.
     
"The game was fun, and it was a great way to help people," said Alex Monroe, a Canyon Creek student.

Sherry Latson, the school counselor, added, "It felt like a real community effort - our 5th and 6th grade students competing against the teachers; our parents and other students forming the cheering section; the Gopher company donating supplies and everyone having a great time."

Emily Pease (pictured) delivered one of the balls to a class of African students who were very excited to receive the special gift. The students typically played with a ball made of banana leaves or plastic bags. In addition to purchasing sports equipment, the money also helped with the construction of a basketball court at one of the orphanages.

"I love the connection this event gave my children, who miss their friends," said Krisann, "but, I also think this project helped the Canyon Creek kids think about children in other parts of the world."

"Most of these kids (at the orphanages) have to cook their own meals, wash their own clothes, and get water from a well to take a bath. So, a soccer ball or a jump rope brings a smile to their faces and makes them feel special."

The two orphanages, Kiwumulo Orphanage and Mityana Orphanage, each care for approximately 40 children of all ages. While there are a handful that are true orphans, most of the children have at least one parent or relative living, but who cannot care for them full-time. So, the children only go home on school holidays.

Thanks to the students and staff of Canyon Creek Elementary for making a difference halfway around the world! >Top
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AVID FMJH Supports Susan G. Komen race for the cure
Recently 28 AVID students from Forest Meadow Junior High donated a Saturday to volunteer at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. They were at the school by 6a.m. pumped and ready to go. They enthusiastically cheered on runners, gave directions, handed out water and helped wherever they were needed.

Great job FMJH AVID! >Top
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Mark Twain Elementary Welcomes Special Visitor
MTE teacher Heather Nash and Captain Creighton Nash, pictured with Melissa Smith's 2009-2010 first grade class that corresponded with Nash during his tour in Iraq.
U.S. Army Captain Creighton Nash received a hero's welcome this week at a special assembly at Mark Twain Elementary. Nash, the son of MTE teacher Heather Nash and a product of Richland Elementary and West Junior High, recently returned to the U.S. from his tour of duty in Iraq, where he corresponded with MTE students.

At the assembly, Captain Nash spoke with students about his experiences, and shared photographs from Iraq that depicted the war-torn country. Students were keenly interested, asking many questions, and were left with an appreciation of what they have in the United States, thanks to the volunteers in our armed forces like Captain Nash. >Top
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National Walk to School Day
On October 6, Northrich Elementary students and staff participated in the National Walk to School Day, an effort aimed at raising awareness about children's fitness and environmental consciousness.

Richardson City Councilman Amir Omar and principal LaShon Easter challenged children to make physical fitness a part of their daily lives. >Top
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Forestridge awards night
Forestridge Elementary recently honored their "Shining Stars" at the annual Awards Night. There were 150 4th through 6th grade students honored for their academic and service achievements. Honored students included those who were commended in Reading, Math, Science and Writing and those who participate in Safety Patrol, Student Council, Peer Mediation, and All-District Choir.

Each child received a trophy at the ceremony and there was a cake and punch reception following the ceremony. Principal Kathy Higgins congratulated the students and joined their parents in sharing how proud they were.>Top
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High School Highlights
Berkner High School
BHS Orchestra students put in a dominant performance recently at the All Region competition. Seven of the top 10 violins are from Berkner, and BHS students occupy the top spot in four of five sections. Congratulations to:

Violins - Thomas Baek, Garrett Jackson, Tiffany Wong, Tiffany Lin, Benjamin Su, David Cheung, James Lee, John Chang, Emily Lin, and Daisy Su
Viola - Lisa Sun
Cello - Hanna Choi, Will Hughes Colin Horton
Bass - Paul Gomez
In addition, for two consecutive years, Thomas Baek (violin), Lisa Sun (viola), and Hanna Choi (cello) have made first chair in their section.

BHS Choir students also fared well at the recent All-Region Choir auditions held at BHS. In addition to helping host the event, the following students earned a spot in the All-Region Choir:

Kalyn Atchison
Dalbert Chen
Casey Cunningham
Andrew Donaldson
Ellen Donaldson
Sara Johnsen
Denise Lee
Matthew McLaughlin
Rebecca Salazar

Congratulations!

Lake Highlands High School
Former LHHS student Ricky Zorn was recently named one of just five National High School Scholar Athlete Award winners in the United States by the National Football Foundation. Last year's LHHS Salutatorian, Ricky was selected from among more than 400,000 high school football student athletes in America for this honor. He currently attends and plays football at Harvard University.

Support LHHS by voting in the Fox 4 Game of the Week contest at www.myfoxdfw.com - click on "Fox Hilites."

Pearce High School
The J.J. Pearce Pacesetters drill team and the Pacesetter Booster Club will present their 31st Annual Holiday Bazaar on October 23 and 24 at the school.

The bazaar is a great tradition for many to begin their holiday shopping. Over 150 vendors will showcase jewelry, quilts, home accessories, Christmas gifts, yard decorations and much, much more. A Bake Sale is also included, where each Pacesetter family has prepared homemade goods. In addition, a Café will feature food donated by local eateries that generously support our community and school. A Sweepstakes will be held in conjunction with the bazaar, with drawings for over 200 prizes!

The Pacesetters work hard to represent J.J. Pearce with loyalty and pride, so please support this fun and exciting event! All are welcome and admission is FREE! Hours will be Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Richardson High School
RHS Special Cheerleader Rae'Ven Riggins, previously featured in School Times Now, has attracted some local media attention. View stories about Rae'ven and the squad:

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=57938@ktvt.dayport.com
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/education/101210-special-needs-teen-makes-varsity-squad >Top
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AROUND the District
Spirit Run 5K 2010
Run "The Spirit Run" and be thoroughly entertained every step of the race! Four High Schools will compete for bragging rights and a coveted traveling Spirit Trophy based on your end of race votes for the most spirited High School.

Each High School will be assigned one of four water stops and have their Drum Lines, Jazz bands, and others entertain you and cheer you to the finish!

This year's Spirit Run will be held on Sat., Nov. 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Galatyn Park (George Bush Turnpike & Central Expressway). Registration is now open. You can register for $25 through Oct. 4, and after Oct. 4, the registration fee is $30. Registration is $35 on Race Day.

Click here for more event details.
 
RISD Band Showcase
This year's RISD Band Showcase will be held on Monday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at Eagle-Mustang Stadium. Admission is free. Come out and enjoy outstanding family entertainment. Click here to download the flyer.

LHE's Veterans Day Celebration
Lake Highlands area Veterans and their families are invited to join Lake Highlands Elementary on Nov. 11 for a Veterans Day Celebration. Click here to download the invitation.

Recycle Your Electronic & Household Waste at LHE
The City of Dallas is hosting another quarterly Recycling Roundup at Lake Highlands Elementary on Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.! They will be taking electronic items (E-Waste), documents to be shredded, donated household items, scrap metal, tires, batteries, light bulbs, and more!

After dropping off your items, stay to enjoy the hot dogs and other goodies to raise money for LHE student activities, browse LHE Spirit Store items, learn about bicycle safety info from the Dallas Police Department and play in the bounce house/slide for the kids!

Accepted Items Include:
  • Electronic items (E-Waste) such as televisions, Video games, Cell phones, Computers, Calculators, and Printers
  • Documents to be shredded on-site- 3 BOX LIMIT
  • Donated Items: toys, clothing, books, small appliances, housewares, dishes and glassware, sports equipment
  • Scrap metal: large parts, A/C units, large appliances (without Freon), ceiling fans
  • Paper, Plastics (#1-7), Cans, Glass
  • Inkjet Cartridges (no toner/laser cartridges, tubes or bottles)
  • Tires (no limit)
  • Auto and household batteries
  • Fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs
  • Used cooking oil
  • NEW!!- Styrofoam, bubble and shrink wrap, plastic bags and packaging (without food residue)
  • SORRY, NO FURNITURE, CHEMICALS, PAINT, BUILDING SUPPLIES or MATTRESSES
  • Please visit lhepta.com for more information. >Top
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This weekend in RISD
Pearce Pacesetters 31st Annual Holiday Bazaar
October 23, 9:00-5:00, October 24, 11:00 – 5:00 at J. J. Pearce High School

Fine Arts
Theatre, Thursday October 21, Saturday, October 23, Sunday, October 24
Richardson High School Theatre presents “The Greeks” @ Richardson High School Black Box Theatre.  7:30 p.m. on October 21, 23 & 24.  For more information, visit www.rhstheatre.org.

Choir, Thursday October 21, Saturday, October 23

Berkner High School Choir Fall Concert @ Berkner High School Auditorium, Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.
Pearce High School Forte show “Iconography” @ Pearce High School School Auditorium, Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.

Band, Saturday, October 23
UIL 5A Area Marching Competition @ Mesquite Memorial Stadium.  All day, admission fee.  Contact high school band directors for specific times.

High School Sports
Volleyball, Friday, October 22
J. J. Pearce High School vs. McKinney High School @ Pearce High School, 5:30 p.m.
Berkner High School vs. Richardson High School @ Berkner High School, 6:30 p.m.

Football, Friday, October 22
Richardson High School vs. Berkner High School @ Ram/Wildcat  Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Lake Highlands High School vs. Jesuit Prep @ Haggar Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Pearce High School vs. McKinney High School @ Mustang/Eagle Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

For weekly scheduled events, please click here. [Every attempt is made to include all activities occurring over the weekend. Send information about activities to RISD@risd.org.] >Top
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Hamilton Park Celebrates 55 years - Continued
Speakers included Dr. Hillburn and Dr. Joseph Williams. "It brought a lot of joy to my heart to have Andrea and Joseph speak this year because everyone was able to relate to their stories," shared Jefferson.

Because of the 55-year celebration, organizers added new elements to the reunion this year, including a school tour. "Many of the alumni hadn't been inside the school since they graduated," said Megan Timme, current Hamilton Park principal. "Lana Hanks, long time community member and Hamilton Park alum, put pictures up around the school of former teachers, sports teams, and other school activities. You should have heard the conversations and stories that were told."

Part of the tour included a walk down the Hall of Fame, which includes a special Wall of Fame, displaying pictures and names of former Hamilton Park students who have been selected over the years for this special honor. "The Wall of Fame was a highlight of the tour," said Jefferson.

Many former Hamilton Park teachers also attended the reunion. "Seeing their former students gives them a sense of pride, knowing that they had such important roles in the early lives and latter successes of their students," said Myra Woodbury, a 2010 Wall of Fame inductee who now works at the school.

"The Hamilton Park reunion is always a time full of fond memories and reflections of our history and the rich legacy of the community," said Woodbury. "Of course it's always fun to visit and catch up on the happenings in each other's lives."

"This year's reunion was very, very special because of the efforts of Elaine Johnson, David Jefferson, and the rest of the organizing committee," said Jefferson.

"As we leave the reunion, we're always glad we went and look forward to meeting again," said Woodbury.

Originally opened as a 12-grade school in 1955, Hamilton Park became an elementary magnet in the early 1970's. >Top
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